I actually did a little research on Co knife law, more specifically I have before me the full text of the statutes, and have corresponded with Bernard Levine regarding some specifics.
Note, what I am about to launch into is technicalities within the law, keep in mind a judge can simply rule that your hot dog is a "Dangerous impliment" and it will still cost you an arm and a leg in legal fees to fight.
Colorado knife laws:
Open carry (IE, unconcealed)
No limit as to blade length or design. You can walk down Main street with a broad sword.
(Common sense: whether legal or not, you will still be stopped, questioned and probably held by police anyway.)
Concealed carry: Single edge knife under 3 1/2".
(Because of a syntax error in the Co statute you can by a close shave of a technicality also carry a dagger, dirk or stihletto under 3 1/2" also, but we are really cutting hairs here, better not to try it.) Remember, "Open carry" is just about whatever you want it to be.
Balisongs DO NOT fit the definition of gravity knife.
(This does not mean that a judge can not decide that it does fit the definition, and cost you $10K plus in legal fees to appeal... there is our "Dangerous Hot Dog" warning. Remember also, if the balisong has a blade over 3 1/2" and is concealed it would fall under that rule also.
You may carry a concealed knife in excess of 3 1/2" in your home, and oddly enough by special exclusion, in your car.
Switchblades and gravity knives are illegal.
Ballistic knives are illegal.
Nunchucks and Shirukins are legal to own, transport and use only for martial arts demonstrations.
Things to watch out for:
Local laws may be stricter.
"Concealed" is not defined, it is a "Question of fact" for a jury. That square sheath for your balisong... does it look enough like a sheath that "Joe Sheeple" will buy that it wasn't concealed?
If you are searched by an officer and asked if you are carrying any weapons, say yes only if you are carrying a firearm. Your legally carried knife is a tool, and to identify it as a weapon just made a case against you.
Another similar item, if you ever have to use a knife for self defense, do not say you carried it for that purpose (Self defense) as it them shows intent. (this is the edit)
This isn't "Rule of thumb", like I said I printed the statutes from Westlaw, and where I had questions I paid for consultation by Bernard Levine, who I believe to be a knowledgable and accurate resource.
If anyone wants quotes from portions of the statute, let me know and I will post them. If you want quotes from Bernard Levine, let me know and I will ask his permission to post it. I am not sure if transferring information garnered by paid consultation is allowed without permission.
[This message has been edited by TroyO (edited 03-27-2001).]
